What is autism?
Autism is understood to be a spectrum that influences how people experience and interact with the world. Each person has a unique combination of varying characteristics, but common ones include challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication.
Living with autism can present unique challenges, but with appropriate support and accommodations, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives. Support services and reasonable adjustments in various environments can greatly enhance accessibility and quality of life for those with autism
Autism is not a learning disability or a mental health condition, however, statistics show there are links between autism and mental health problems and learning disabilities.
Autistic people are 4 x more likely to experience depression than non-autistic people
8 in 10 autistic adults will experience mental health challenges in their lifetime
96% of autistic people said that primary healthcare professionals did not understand how autism affected their experience of menopause.
Autistic people are 7 x more likely to attempt suicide than non-autistic people.
Autism in the workplace
Autistic individuals often encounter several challenges in the workplace. It is said that just 30% of autistic adults in the UK are in any form of paid employment. Research indicates that the most common reasons autistic individuals are not employed include a lack of confidence stemming from previous negative employment experiences, discrimination, and adverse educational experiences. It is therefore important to understand that autistic people may choose to not disclose their condition and as a result, may not receive the right support.
Masking
Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously to appear non-autistic. For example, forcing eye contact even when they feel uncomfortable or suppressing stimming to reduce attention. Autistic people may mask to avoid the stigma, prejudice, discrimination and other rejection they may face, but as you can imagine, this can become exhausting and ultimately impact a person’s mental health.
How can you offer support to people who mask?
Allow the person time to recover after social interactions due to the exhaustion associated with masking.
Better your personal understanding of Autism – engage in active learning, and ask people what they may need
Offer appropriate accommodations and providing carefully planned individualised support.
How Reed Wellbeing offers tailored support
Across Reed Wellbeing services, we are dedicated to offering personalised one-to-one support for our participants, providing them with the space to access any additional help they may require. This involves understanding each person's needs and accommodating their specific requirements. We also offer numerous reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility. These adjustments may include:
Providing alternative methods of communication, such as verbal, visual, or written formats.
Making reasonable adjustments to the environment, such as changes in lighting, equipment, or temperature.
Offering flexibility in appointment times, agreed actions, and content.
Reed Wellbeing proudly uphold our status as a Disability Confident employer and actively participate in the Sunflower Scheme. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that we provide comprehensive support to all individuals, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Additional Support available
Autism Services Directory – Directory that helps you find UK-wide or local services that meet the needs of autistic people and/or their families.
Find help | Autism Central – Directory that offers guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people.
Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK – A government scheme to support those with a physical or mental condition or disability